Fight K9 cancer

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After losing our sweet Mouta (pictured here) on August 11, 2008 to cancer, my husband and I are still missing her terribly. She was diagnosed in February 2008 with a sarcoma in her spine. She was a trooper through the pre-diagnosis stage, when we initially thought she had a herniated disc in her spine, to the end. When aggressive steroid treatment only brought her from a stage 4 (almost no hind leg movement to a low stage 2...walking with assistance) we knew it was time for further testing. We drove 90 minutes away for her to have more test...a myelogram, which in turn led to surgery and the diagnosis of cancer. It was no doubt that we would pursue further treatment for her because out of the 4 pup-a-lups (my husband's term) she was our special baby...the calm in the eye of the storm, I always said. With the 4 dogs and cat, Mouta was always laid back and just really loved life. She was the ONLY one who could be off leash in the front yard and not run off 100% of the time! She LOVED being with us too much to venture off.

I did tons of research, talked to anyone who would listen, read everything I could find about cancer in dogs. And there's really not a lot of data out there. One of the deal makers for me when the subject of radiation treatments was discussed was that every question I asked about the success, the risk, the prognosis for Mouta was answered pretty much the same.."We don't know. There's not much data out there because most people opt for euthansia with the cancer diagnosis due to the cost of treatment." I felt that if by treating Mouta there was the slightest chance that we could have her in our lives a little longer and get her healthy again, it would be worth it. We had just bought a new house...I wanted new furniture, but you know, 'things' can wait...life can't. I still don't have the furniture, but we did have Mouta for 6 more months. We celebrated her 10th birthday with a cookout and I even baked a birthday cake for the dogs (you know there are lots of recipes online for homemade dog treats..even cakes!) When she finished her radiation treatments she was acting like a puppy again, not like the 10 year old that she was by then.

So, I started this group as a memorial to our Sharmouta. Anyone who has been through this, or who is facing this is welcome!

I have volunteered Scooby for a study on cancer in Golden Retrievers, being conducted by a canine oncologist at Colorado State. You don't have to live in Colorado to participate, all you have to do is have your vet take three extra blood samples at your next check up and have them sent to CSU. The study is open to Goldens 10 years of age or older. I know sometimes we all feel powerless in the face of cancer, but here is something we can do to fight back. Spread the word to Golden owners and let's help them get the 3000 Goldens they need.Colorado State Cancer in Goldens Study

Like Ellen, my heart skips a beat whenever I see that someone has posted here. SO GLAD it;s good news! Scooby, you are one amazing pup-a-lup..an inspiration for all of us that have lost precious pups to this horrid disease. You are living, breathing proof that there is a chance. Cancer is NOT always the victor in this battle. Though you may be showing signs of aging (aren't we all) you look the picture of health and a gorgeous boy to boot! Keep it up Bob & Scooby! Doggie smooches to you!

He's a little older now and age is starting to creep in. Hi muzzle is a little lighter and there's a white spot under his eye. But he's still Scooby and this fall he celebrates 5 years of victory over advance canione lymphoma. Earlier this year we met another Golden owner in Dallas who had a success story similar to ours. His Golden also had canine lymphoma and responded positively to treatment. Take heart my friends. We are making progress over this terrible disease.

Chuck, I am so saddened to read this! I cry when someone new joins out little group and I cry when I read these post of a pup crossing the bridge. I, too, was rooting for Rusty to beat the odds. I am so glad you had 3 years with him after his diagnosis. That in itself was a blessing. I imagine there was quite a welcoming committee for him at Rainbow Bridge! Mouta, Bailey, Sadie, Phoebe, Jack and all the rest will welcome him with open paws. Fly with the angels, Rusty! Rest in peace knowing you fought a courageous battle! I pray that one day someone will find a cure. I pray God brings you peace and comfort in your grief

Oh Chuck, I am SO sorry to hear this. I can only reiterate what the others have said. We all had hoped that he'd be the success story and in many ways he was! He lived so courageously for so long! He was so lucky to have you and you him. I too will say a word to Sadie asking her to help welcome him. My heart is crying with you tonight.